(LOS ANGELES, CA – 12/14/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called on the Irvine Police Department (IPD) to investigate the alleged hate crime against a visibly Muslim woman during a city council meeting in Irvine, Calif., and believes that the IPD acted unprofessionally towards the victim.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Irvine City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting, where many community members attended to make public comments regarding the possible introduction of a ceasefire resolution.
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During the public comment portion, a woman who identified herself as an Israeli and former Israel Defense Forces soldier allegedly physically assaulted and verbally abused a woman wearing a hijab, or Islamic headscarf, and a Palestinian keffiyeh, including repeatedly calling her a “terrorist.” The IPD intervened and removed both women from the council chambers. The victim stated that she had previously told the officers that the woman was threatening her, but that they expressed annoyance with her and did not take any action other than separating the two women.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Legal & Policy Director Amr Shabaik said:
“As hate towards Muslim Americans, Arab Americans, Palestinian Americans, and those advocating for Palestine continue to occur at historic levels, law enforcement must treat reported hate crimes with the proper seriousness and attention these cases deserve.
“We are concerned that the Irvine police officers involved in this matter were allegedly uncooperative and unprofessional and expressed annoyance with the victim. This alleged behavior sends strong signals to our community that their protection and redress when victimized by hate will not be prioritized and, worse, will be met with hostility and victim blaming by law enforcement. We demand the Irvine police take this matter seriously and thoroughly investigate this matter as a hate crime.”
CAIR-LA calls for the IPD to launch a thorough and immediate investigation into (1) the incident as a hate crime and (2) the claims that IPD officers acted in an unprofessional and uncooperative manner. CAIR-LA also urges the IPD to ensure that all victims who file reports are treated properly and with due respect.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com